By Muhammad Mamman
The Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum (NENF), a coalition of socio-cultural and political leaders from the 19 northern states, has demanded an urgent shake-up of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet and a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
In a strongly worded statement released in Abuja on Sunday, the Forum’s Convener, Dominic Alancha, said after wide consultations it had “deeply examined the painful conditions of the people of Northern Nigeria and the nation at large” and concluded that only decisive action could avert further decline.
The group accused several ministers of “glaring underperformance”, warning that the current cabinet lacks both the competence and political capital to drive Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“A ministerial appointment is not merely a reward for loyalty; it is a critical assignment,” the statement read. “We therefore call on President Tinubu to dissolve and reshuffle the Federal Executive Council, replacing underperforming ministers with individuals of proven integrity, exceptional capability and significant political influence.”
According to the Forum, strengthening the cabinet is vital not only for Nigeria’s development but also for the President’s political survival ahead of the 2027 elections.
On insecurity, NENF painted a grim picture, describing banditry, terrorism and kidnapping as a “full-blown catastrophe” that has crippled farming, commerce and transport across the region. It declared that the Service Chiefs had “failed despite enormous resources at their disposal” and demanded their immediate dismissal.
The Forum further called for new military leaders with a clear, results-driven mandate, alongside the declaration of a state of emergency on security in Northern Nigeria.
“This is not a call for militarisation,” the Forum stressed, “but for a targeted, multi-agency operation to flush out terrorists, dismantle their networks, and restore order.”
While commending Tinubu’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, NENF insisted that such measures must be matched with stronger interventions to ease hardship. It recommended accelerated palliatives, massive investment in agriculture and manufacturing, as well as improvements in power, transport and infrastructure.
The Forum also urged the President to show empathy and share in citizens’ sacrifices, warning of a widening gap between government and the governed.
“We supported the President’s ambition and we are willing to support him again in 2027 — but only if he delivers effective, empathetic and decisive governance. The time for action is now,” the group declared.
